His students Columbia University will take their classes online today as university officials hope for a de-escalation of tensions on the New York City campus following last week’s mass arrests following pro-Palestinian protests.
In a statement issued today, Columbia President Nemat Minous Shafik said the university is canceling classes for today while denouncing anti-Semitic rhetoric and what she said has been recent on campus.
“These tensions have been exploited by people not affiliated with Columbia who have come to campus to pursue their own agenda,” Shafiq said. We need a reset.” At least 100 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested Thursday on campus when Shafiq authorized the New York police to break up a student encampment who were protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Eli Buechler, an Orthodox rabbi at Columbia University and Barnard College, told students in an online message that campus and city police cannot guarantee the safety of Jewish students, according to local media.
“I’m very sorry to say, I would advise you to go home as soon as possible until the reality in and around the campus improves significantly,” Buehler said in a WhatsApp message sent to hundreds of students ahead of commencement. Passover weekend.
Tags: Columbia University suspended lifelong classes proPalestinian protests
